MILBRIDGE – Joan M. Potter, 65, died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at a Bar Harbor health care facility. She was born Jan. 15, 1944, in Milbridge, the daughter of the late Malcolm and Ethelyn (Young) Beal. Joan attended school in Milbridge. She was married at age 16 to Richard Potter and resided in Winter Harbor. While residing in Winter Harbor, she was a fish packer at the former Stinsons Canning Co., Prospect Harbor. After the death of her husband in 1981, she relocated to Pigeon Hill Road, Steuben, in 1986 where she became involved with Robert Crabtree and jointly operated Rusty Anchor Restaurant and Country Charm, both in Steuben. She was a cook at both restaurants. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Anah Temple Shriners, where she was first lady of the Anah Wheelers, and a charter member of Ankh Temple Shrine No. 160 Daughters of the Nile. Mrs. Potter loved cooking and visiting with her friends. Family members include her children, Lynn West and husband, Michael, Kelly Riggs, Amus Potter and companion, Victoria Justice, and Richard Potter and wife, Donna; 18 grandchildren, one great-grandson; a lifelong loving companion of 27 years, Robert Crabtree; nine siblings, Nancy Harrington, Owen Beal, Mary Smith, Delly McLain, Sharon Moore, Libby Joyce, Dale Beal, Pat Beal and Shelly Phinney; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be sadly missed by many close friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by her husband of 20 years, Richard Potter, in 1981. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Evergreen Cemetery, Milbridge, with Joan’s brother, Owen Beal officiating. It is greatly desired that donations be made to the ScleraDerma Foundation, attention Donations, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923. For online condolences, please visit our Web site at www.bragdonkelley.com.
JOAN M. POTTER
